Buying a home in Uniondale

Since the Coliseum's lease expires in 2015, the topic of redeveloping the surrounding 77-acre site is on the front burner. "The county is pursuing privately funded proposals for multiuse purposes at the hub and prefers options that include the reconstruction or renovation of the Coliseum," says Brian Nevin, a spokesman for Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.

Shops, services and eateries are along Uniondale and Jerusalem avenues and Front Street. The Uniondale Public Library has a 200-seat auditorium.

Tree-lined neighborhoods -- where the typical lot size is about 55 by 100 feet -- are dominated by Capes, then ranches and a smattering of Colonials. The community often attracts first-time buyers, as well as investors who rent to Hofstra University students, says Anibal "Nick" Inoa, owner of Exit Realty by Open Gates in Uniondale.

Federally subsidized rental complexes for people 62 and older include Park Gardens on Uniondale Avenue and Meadowbrook Gardens on Jerusalem Avenue. There is a waiting list; for more information, call the town's housing authority at 516-485-9666.

Town: Hempstead

Area: 2.7 square miles

ZIP code: 11553

Population: 24,759

Median age: 34.6

Median household income: $72,252

Median home value: $240,000*

Monthly ticket: $223

School district: Uniondale